Gray Catbirds are the birds of "winter" that we can fairly reliably catch and band. We banded three today. Some of the other over-wintering birds have yet to return. We will be looking for Yellow-rumped Warblers, Eastern Phoebes, and more species to return by the end of the year.
Gray Catbird
Photo by Crystal Conway
Warbler numbers are on the decline. A single Northern Parula was banded. We saw Black-and-white and Pine Warblers but did not capture any.
Northern Parula
Photo by Bill Eaton
Northern Parula
Photo by Bill Eaton
Palm Warblers spend the winter in fairly large numbers in our area. Possum Long gets a few most days. We banded one today. It took a long time to finally get this species. This time last year we did not have as many nets and there did not seem to be as many around. We have also determined where to place nets to maximize captures. We are now in our second year of banding and from this time last year to the end of the year we only banded 13 birds. It has been a terrific year.
Palm Warbler
Photo by Bill Eaton
Recaptures are an important part of any banding project. We see Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays each session. Recapturing them tells us which birds have remained on or returned to the property. Today we recaptured one of each. So far it seems that Gray Catbirds have a larger roaming range and do not necessarily stay at Possum Long since we have banded many but recaptured only a few of the recently banded ones. We also know from recaptures that some Gray Catbirds have returned to Possum Long after a breeding season away.
Also important to this effort are the volunteers. My thanks to everyone who takes photos, records data, puts nets up and takes them down, carries gear, moves tables, and lends a hand for whatever needs doing. This project is only possible with your service. I am grateful.
Next banding session: November 5, 2013. Nets go up at 6:30 am. Meeting time "earlier" due to time change.
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